*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

pricey.

 

See post #14

 

Thanks I missed that ! I think Im going to try it.

 

For that price range the PC 7424 is your best option. Even though I had a shaft failure it still is quite durable. I just ordered a Flex 3401 but plan on fixing my PC for wax application.

 

agreed, but some people arent cut out to polish paint.

 

The bigfoot has a large throw and the random orbital...it's suppose to be a bit easier not to burn the paint...but I suppose anyone who tries hard enough or just don't have good technique will damage the paint. I was just addressing DevL's question of what is the best and I've heard from pros and youtube good things about the Rupes bigfoot. My detailer used it on my BRZ before I sold it.

If you don't want the best and just want a random orbital....harbor freight has one for $50. I just have issues of buying cheap equipment and tools... I do buy from HF from time to time for one off or rarely used things, but things I used often, it's made in USA, Japan, or EU. Made in Taiwan is good too most times. I don't know where Rupes are made.

 

i know, i have both the Rupes and the Flex.

If money is no concern i do agree, go with the top of the line with Rupes/Flex depending on how you want to go. I use my Flex more because its powers through everything, I do it on the weekend for side money so time is valuable. the Rupes is more like a fine italian automobile. While the Flex is a muscle car. The rupes will stop on a bump/raised section. You can do the "washer" mod but i prefer not to modify something i just spent <$400 on to work how i want it. The Flex can/will dance on you if you're not used to it depending on pads you're using. Its all preference both do well.

The HF DA is a good one for weekend warriors for their own personal vehicles. Just get a good backing plate. The PC 7424 is good as well basically the same just different price. Flex is made in Germany and Rupes is made in Italy. Porter Cable is made in Mexico/China

 

I gotta get my bumper painted to match the body color and then decide to pay $400 to $600 for paint correction or do it myself (never done it before) and then applying Xpel paint protection film on the front clip. It's pretty pricey to have someone do it...it's about $400 to $500 to do it yourself. PPF is great stuff for protecting the paint.

Are you a detailer LTDSC? I wouldn't touch PC then if it's made in Mexico/China... never had anything good made in China except for electronics...tools are no go for me.

 

I detail on the side, yes.

 

Okay...makes sense why you have so many high end stuff.

 

You listed several waxes as the best to use. I don't think you've actually had a chance to use the best wax though. I used to be a devout 'Mother's' user. Best shine around. My son showed me "ZAINO"! This is way easier, has all the steps you said; includes products for all steps and the shine will last, A LONG TIME!!! You have to you so little of it, it is crazy (which helps validate the price)! SO MUCH LESS buffing! Brighter shine, deeper gloss and again, lasts longer. Give it a try. I think you'll find that you'll wanna add it to your list fast. Great article though.

https://www.zainostore.com/

Recommended Waxes
-Over the Counter-
1 - -Boutique-
A1-Zaino
1 - 2 - 3 - or 4 - 5 - 6 - Clearkote Carnauba Moose Wax

Recommended Sealants
-Over the Counter-
1 - 2 - -Boutique-
A1-Zaino
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 -

 

If you are using the Zaino system and have Pinnacle Souveran try that on top of the Z2Pro or Z5Pro. You will be amazed at the depth of shine that can be achieved.

If you can find the extra time to let products cure do 5 coats of the Z2P or Z5P over 3 days then 2 coats of the Pinnacle Souveran letting the first coat cure overnight. It will be worth the effort.

 

I noticed some recent peeling (oxidation?) of the coating on my OEM headlight. How can I remove this and what can I do to further protect them?

Thanks.

 

looks more like peeling, but there are a lot of headlight polishing kits...I did a camry that had more oxidation than the peeling you got, but it's just stages of cut and polish. I suspect it would work, but I never tried something that looks like yours.

For protection...I think paint protection film is good investment once you got it cleaned and polished. The whole bumper headlights takes the brunt of the impact from pebbles and debris... the PPF just saves it from all that damage...not sure if it'll help with the oxidation, but it should.

 

Thank you for your input. I will look into the PPF.
I am trying to avoid having to polish the headlight just yet as I am afraid I will strip the UV coating and make them more vulnerable to weathering.

 

Looking at it...it looks like it's already damaged... it's plastic so the cut and polish should make it shiny again, but I haven't seen headlights like yours... I only seen cloudy headlights that is milky and cut and polish makes them clear again. I hope it works for you. PPF for headlights should run about $50+ and a bit hard to do it yourself...I know I had trouble...but I was one person doing a whole hood...and they gave me the wrong pattern so it was nightmare...headlights is smaller, but tricky with the curves...just look at videos.... I'm thinking of doing it myself again on smaller piece. It's like tinting windows in a way...you are pushing air bubbles and liquid out using the same kind of squeegee tools. Good luck.

Just a warning...since I haven't seen damage like that...I hope my advice doesn't make it worse...though I only seen good with cut and polish for headlights...You can email 3M and ask them...I used their kit.

 

Thanks for the advice!
I agree. Our headlights are tricky because of their shape but it'll be a nice layer of protection to have. Also, my headlights are HID retrofitted with projectors so it's not like I can just purchase new headlights if these become too bad. I'd rather do what I can to keep them protected!

 

Deal Detailer -

I went ahead and removed the trd decals from a new truck, went pretty easy actually..

With the tiny amount of residue left I used goof off instead of goo gone which I also had.

I have what appears to be slight hazing in the clear coat.

What would be your guy best course of action to remedy this?

Truck is new, never been waxed, just sent it through the touchless wash.


Thanks in advance.

 

So my wife got a new fusion with the perforated leather and a/c seats. We got a spray leather conditioner from auto geek but I'm not sure the best way to apply it and not clog the perf. or damage the a/c portion.

Thanks for your help.

 

Wow!!!! Ridiculously great post!! Thank you. Great info . I will take your advice.